Agenda item

O&S.38/22           

The Committee was presented with a report that provided Members with the opportunity to scrutinise the work of the South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership (CSP).  During the presentation, attention was drawn to the introduction of new legislation, the ‘Serious Violence Duty’, which would result in more responsibilities for the Partnership, although it was confirmed that much preparation work had already been undertaken.

In summarising the focus of the Partnership’s work over the previous twelve months, the following work was brought to Members’ attention:

·           Engagement with Secondary Schools regarding violence against women and girls and harmful sexual behaviour;

·           Work to highlight Exploitation – preventing radicalisation, modern slavery, people trafficking and harmful drugs/County Lines;

·           Work to highlight changing youth culture and young people’s mental health, including the growing problem of vaping amongst young people;  

·           Work with Children’s Care Homes within the District;

·           Anti-Social Behaviour issues, particularly concerning increased instances of anti-social behaviour on Dartmoor;

·           The Turning Corners Programme delivering Outreach work; and

·           The expansion of the ‘Let’s Talk’ Programme, running a number of very well supported and successful sessions for parents.

In discussion, the following points were raised:

(a)      A number of Police specific issues were raised that included:

-        the importance of police stations operating a front desk resource;

-        the emphasis being placed by the recently appointed Chief Constable on neighbourhood policing being welcomed;

-        concerns being expressed over the lack of frontline policing levels within the South Hams;

-        the lack of police reports at town and parish council meetings being disappointing;

-        the priority intention for Police Community Support Officers to be recruited in Dartmouth and Kingsbridge was welcomed;

-        the ability for all Members (and local town and parish councillors) to attend the Councillor Advocate Scheme meetings.  Despite attendance unfortunately being very low, those Members who attended made reference to how useful these meetings were and it was agreed that a reminder should be sent to all Members and Town and Parish Council Clerks about these meetings taking place.

(b)     It was acknowledged that the Council had certain statutory responsibilities in respect of both anti-social behaviour and the prevention of crime.  As a result, Members were encouraged, for matters related to anti-social behaviour and crime prevention, to contact the Council in addition to the Police;

(c)      Having been made aware of the recently adopted Council Motion, Partnership representatives confirmed their support in the drive for vapes to be subjected to the same restrictions as cigarette products;

(d)     The representatives informed that the increased concerns relating to the internet usage of young people was recognised and, as a consequence, the ‘Let’s Talk’ program was being adapted to include a session on this matter.

   It was then:

RESOLVED

1.         That, in addition to the points raised in the detailed minute above, the following issues have been identified by the Committee for onward consideration by the Partnership:

-        The increased realisation of all Members and the general public of the statutory role played by the Partnership and the role of Members in reporting instances of anti-social and crime prevention; and

-        The need to promote attendance of Members and Town and Parish Councillors at Councillor Advocate Scheme meetings; and

2.       That the Committee formally thank the Partnership for its sterling work over the last 12 months.